Board Meeting Minutes - September 14, 2009

September 14, 2009
6:00 PM
Nelson Counseling Center
Lovingston, VA

Members Present
Barbara Barrett, Chair
Michael Kelley
Christopher Dumler
Steven Stern
Clyde Gouldman
Carol Johnston
Weston Mathews, Vice-Chair

Members Absent
Angela Hammond, Secretary
Julie Dickey
Neal Walters
Albert LaFave
Aaron Laushway
William Hale

Others Present
Robert Johnson, Executive Director
Caruso Brown, Deputy Executive Director
Jessica Shaw, Executive Assistant
Mike Huntley, Nelson Counseling Center Director

I. Call to Order
Ms. Barrett called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.

II. Welcome
Ms. Barrett welcomed everyone to the meeting.

III. Comments from the Public
There were no comments at this time.

IV. Specification of Other Items to be added to the Agenda
There were no new items at this time.

V. Presentation
Mike Huntley spoke briefly about the new Nelson Counseling Center and the programs run on location.

VI. Approval of the July 13, 2009 Minutes
Ms. Barrett asked for corrections to the minutes.

On a motion made by Mr. Mathews and seconded by Mr. Kelley, the July 13, 2009 Board Minutes were approved with three abstentions from Mr. Dumler, Mr. Stern and Ms. Johnston.

VII. Executive Director’s Report
See previous month’s packet.

The Governor’s Budget requires 5% cuts for CSBs. Other areas were devastated by cuts. These cuts still impact Region Ten, for example, we will lose 24 beds between UVA and Martha Jefferson hospitals.

VIII. Personnel Committee
Mr. Kelley summarized the committee’s minutes. The committee recommends negotiation of the renewal of the Executive Director’s Contract.

Suggested changes are to be made in Section 2B. Strike "September 29, 2009" and replace it with "October 1, 2010". Make "September 29" into "September 30" on the second and third mentions.

The Executive Director’s Contract was unanimously approved as amended.

The next meeting will be on September 22nd at 4:00 pm.

IX. Executive Committee
The committee has not met. This committee will not meet unless there is a need to meet between Board Meetings.

X. Finance Committee
Mr. Brown prepared an oral report about issues we are facing. The amount of services provided to individuals who are unable to pay has increased. He is currently doing extensive work by groups created by the Senior Directors. Region Ten is having to handle the front door services differently.

When moving forward to speak to localities and legislators, we will be able to, need to, provide them with a real sense of what funds are needed, per locality, per service, explaining that we won’t be able to continue providing services for those who need them, if funds are not available. Region Ten cannot continue operating without funds.

Region Ten’s line of credit is no longer available, nor have we needed to borrow to cover payroll or bills in the last few months.

XI. Public Policy & Advocacy Committee
The committee has spoken several times with Ms. Maltais about increasing Region Ten’s awareness through the media, such as the website. If this is kept updated, consumer and staff driven, and interactive the potential would be good. Possible use of Youtube videos, or something similar, showcasing willing staff and consumers. Ms. Maltais has spoken to Paladin Media Group about professional videos priced at $1500.

The committee will look into other possible avenues for filming, such as CATEC or UVA/PVCC, as well as if this will be a sustainable project as well as making sure any privacy issues are taken care of.

XII. VACSB Update
There is a meeting on Wednesday, most of which will cover legislative issues as well as the Governor’s Budget.

XIII. Other Business
Ms. Rifkin provided the results from the staff survey. This is a listing of concessions the staff are willing to make to avoid future layoffs. Mr. Brown and Ms. Williams will look over these suggestions to see what the costs or savings might be.

The Consumer Conference is Friday at the Holiday Inn on Rte 29. Mr. Johnson will provide the welcome.

Mr. Johnson was appointed to the Governor’s SA Council.

The Fundraising Committee will meet on Thursday at 4:00 pm. They will be reviewing options to see where to move forward. They will also consider the roles of staff and board members.

XV. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 pm.